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The Observer Corps (OC) is composed of League members who observe and report on local governmental happenings. Observer reports support League foci leaders involved in advocacy and/or community engagement, education and empowerment. To be effective, the League must understand how local government works and be informed of the issues they face. OC observes boards, and at times committees and commissions, of the Village of Wilmette, Wilmette Park District, Wilmette Public Schools D39, New Trier High School D203, Wilmette Public Library District and New Trier Township. Co-Chairs: Mary Smoley and Anne Treadway |
frequently asked questions
Q: Why do we need an Observer Corps?
A: It helps support the purposes of the League, which are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues. The Observer Corps’ work contributes towards keeping League members and our community engaged in our local issues.
Q: What does an Observer do?
A: Observers watch local government meetings either in person or remotely and write a report for internal use in deciding on advocacy actions. It summarizes the important Board discussions and actions. Observers are asked to pay special attention to issues where the local, state or national League is doing advocacy work. This year's issues include Community Engagement and Good Governance, Environment, Creating an Inclusive Community, Fair Elections, ERA, Affordable Housing and Gun Violence Prevention.
Q: Why would I want to be an Observer?
A: Here are some comments from members of the Observer Corps:
“I started observing because I was new to Wilmette and wanted to learn about issues our Village faces, especially regarding sustainability initiatives. As I have gained experience in the role, I find it rewarding to help provide a foundation for the League’s advocacy for government that is open to citizen input and makes decisions in an informed and thoughtful way.” – L.L.
“My first volunteer experience as a new League member was observing school board meetings. When I had children in the district, it was a great way to find out more about policies and decisions that could affect them as well as the community at large. Being an observer got me hooked on the workings of our local government.” – A.S.
“I started observing as a way to contribute to the League while at the same time I'm learning about my village. One of the main goals of the League is to hold our public boards accountable by being active citizens and making sure that proper procedures are followed, that citizens have a fair opportunity to comment, and that the government bodies are being thoughtful custodians of the public trust -- basically that our representatives are doing a good job!! The Observer Corps is how the League does that. It's a quiet job, but it's critical.” – A.T.
Q: What types of issues might an Observer report on?
A: Here are some examples:
Q: Can Observers advocate for their point of view in meetings where they are observing?
A: Not if they are observing. Some Observers have written opinion letters before or after a meeting, making it clear that they are speaking as a citizen and not representing an organization.
Q: How are observers viewed by boards?
A: Observers introduce themselves to board members and staff as representatives of the League, which is a respected entity in the community for its non-partisan stance and advocacy for good government.
A: It helps support the purposes of the League, which are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues. The Observer Corps’ work contributes towards keeping League members and our community engaged in our local issues.
Q: What does an Observer do?
A: Observers watch local government meetings either in person or remotely and write a report for internal use in deciding on advocacy actions. It summarizes the important Board discussions and actions. Observers are asked to pay special attention to issues where the local, state or national League is doing advocacy work. This year's issues include Community Engagement and Good Governance, Environment, Creating an Inclusive Community, Fair Elections, ERA, Affordable Housing and Gun Violence Prevention.
Q: Why would I want to be an Observer?
A: Here are some comments from members of the Observer Corps:
“I started observing because I was new to Wilmette and wanted to learn about issues our Village faces, especially regarding sustainability initiatives. As I have gained experience in the role, I find it rewarding to help provide a foundation for the League’s advocacy for government that is open to citizen input and makes decisions in an informed and thoughtful way.” – L.L.
“My first volunteer experience as a new League member was observing school board meetings. When I had children in the district, it was a great way to find out more about policies and decisions that could affect them as well as the community at large. Being an observer got me hooked on the workings of our local government.” – A.S.
“I started observing as a way to contribute to the League while at the same time I'm learning about my village. One of the main goals of the League is to hold our public boards accountable by being active citizens and making sure that proper procedures are followed, that citizens have a fair opportunity to comment, and that the government bodies are being thoughtful custodians of the public trust -- basically that our representatives are doing a good job!! The Observer Corps is how the League does that. It's a quiet job, but it's critical.” – A.T.
Q: What types of issues might an Observer report on?
A: Here are some examples:
- School planning reflecting evolving student needs
- Policy changes to make Wilmette safer or more environmentally friendly
- Tax and budget decisions affecting your taxes and fees and reflecting board priorities
- Obstacles to obtaining documents being discussed in board meetings
- Boards’ openness to citizen input
- Early identification of new issues/topics of concern in the community
Q: Can Observers advocate for their point of view in meetings where they are observing?
A: Not if they are observing. Some Observers have written opinion letters before or after a meeting, making it clear that they are speaking as a citizen and not representing an organization.
Q: How are observers viewed by boards?
A: Observers introduce themselves to board members and staff as representatives of the League, which is a respected entity in the community for its non-partisan stance and advocacy for good government.